The Baseline - Mining and the Environment: From Ore to Metal - page 366

personnel has priority. There is no successful method of guaranteeing safety of personnel at
all times and circumstances, but safe practices reduce risks and prepare for emergencies if
they occur. In professional planning it is customary and normal that all possible precautions
have been taken and all proper responsibilities met. The major requirements - assessment of
risk, planning, training, equipment, communication, responsibilities - are addressed in the
following paragraphs. Eventually, however, personal safety must, ultimately, be a personal
responsibility. Complacency and inattention, lack of preparation or lack of training may all
cause problems. No amount of regulation or planning can replace personal vigilance.

Personal safety must, ultimately,
be a personal responsibility.

Planning and Assessment of Risk
Planning for i eldwork starts with assessing the potential risks. This is essentially a four-
step process: (1) identifying risks, i.e. those things that may impede the successful outcome
of the i eldwork; (2) assessing their likelihood and potential consequences; (3) implement-
ing controls to minimize risks; and (4) monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the
risk control measures, and implementing improvements as needed. The leader of the i eld
team is responsible for ensuring that there is adequate advance planning and assessment
of risks. The same level of risk assessment should be used whether i eldwork involves a
large number of team members or a party of two or three travelling to the site. Checklists
of possible risks and how to identify them are helpful. Examples of typical risks include
extreme weather conditions, encounters with wild animals, exposure to tropical diseases,
disorientation in remote areas, hiking in difi cult terrain, driving vehicles, and the use of
boats. Issues to be considered in assessment and reduction of risk during i eldwork are
summarized in Table 8.6 .

TABLE 8.6
Some Important Issues in Assessing and Reducing Risks Associated with Fieldwork

Chain of command Determine explicitly in advance who is in charge of the group so that there is reduced confusion in the event of

accidents or other untoward circumstances

Number of people involved Preferably at least two people with experience of the type of fi eldwork being carried out

Fitness, health, and competency Knowing medical conditions, swimming ability, etc. assists in deciding whether risks are acceptable or not, and

planning alternatives. For example, exclude non-swimmers from offshore work

Nature of the work and the area where it is done, including its remoteness, terrain, likely weather conditions
including possible weather extremes, possibility of encountering dangerous animals or plants (or people); work in
or near water; working at height or below ground

Nature of fi eldwork

Transportation Methods and availability of transport and assistance in case of breakdown or accident

Communication Availability of reliable channels of communication

First aid kits Inclusion in the party of people who have training in fi rst aid and provision of adequate fi rst aid kits

Time and length of travel Adequacy of water and other provisions such as food, fuel, and shelter

Site map and location equipment Suitable maps should be available for routes to and from the fi eldwork site, and of the fi eldwork area, including

information about relevant support services etc.; GPS equipment, compasses; consider satellite imagery analysis
prior to fi eldwork in remote areas

Personal preparation Insect repellant, sun block, long sleeved shirts, proper walking shoes, rain coat, cap, mosquito net, knife, personal

amenities such as soap, towel, toothbrush, and toilet paper